Tax Associate

Location: Mesa, AZ

Work Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

About The Role We are looking for an experienced Tax Associate who has several tax seasons under their belt and is ready to take on more responsibility, client interaction, and variety.

This role is a good fit for someone who enjoys working directly with clients, preparing a range of individual and business tax returns, researching tax questions, and continuing to build their tax knowledge. You'll manage your own book of clients while working closely with the broader tax and accounting team.

This is also a growth-oriented position, with the opportunity to progress toward senior and management-level responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare individual and business tax returns across a variety of entity types from initial intake through filing.
• Manage and maintain direct relationships with an assigned book of clients.
• Communicate with clients regarding tax information, questions, documentation, and return status.
• Research tax-related questions and resolve routine tax notices, escalating more complex issues when needed.
• Assist with tax planning by gathering financial information, preparing calculations, and developing relevant scenarios.
• Review or spot-check returns prepared by newer team members and provide feedback when requested.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and well-organized client files.
• Ensure client communications and follow-ups are handled promptly, particularly during busy tax season.
• Work collaboratively with preparers, managers, and administrative staff throughout the year.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on tax preparation experience, preferably in public accounting or a multi-client tax environment.
• Experience preparing both individual and business tax returns.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of tax preparation processes and applicable tax regulations.
• Comfortable communicating directly with clients and taking ownership of client relationships.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule from the Mesa, AZ office.
• Ability to work extended hours during tax season as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or interested in pursuing a CPA or EA credential.
• Experience with CCH tax software is a plus; experience with other tax software will also be considered.
• Experience with QuickBooks.
• Exposure to multi-entity, trust, or estate tax returns.
• Experience supporting tax planning and advisory discussions.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on tax professional who can manage individual and business returns with limited supervision while building strong relationships with clients. You should be comfortable researching tax issues, handling multiple deadlines, asking the right questions, and knowing when a complex issue needs to be escalated.

Someone who is eager to continue learning, take on greater responsibility, and eventually move into a senior or management role would be a strong fit.

Work Environment

• Full-Time
• Hybrid schedule
• Based in Mesa, AZ
• Extended hours may be required during tax season
• Year-round position with responsibilities extending beyond tax preparation